Receive the latest new-england updates in your inbox

Health officials are taking steps to getting the flu vaccine to as many as possible (Published Friday, Jan 17, 2014)

(NECN: Alysha Palumbo, Boston) - As the influenza virus continues to be a concern throughout Boston and the Commonwealth, the push is on from health officials to get as many Bay Staters vaccinated as possible.

"The department has distributed more than three quarters of a million doses across the Commonwealth to community health centers, homeless shelters, as well as many other providers, right now there remains ample supply of vaccine," Department of Public Health Interim Commissioner Dr. Lauren Smith.

"People who have not had a flu vaccine should get one, it is not too late to get one, it is helpful to get one, and if you don’t have health care coverage you can get one for free," Governor Deval Patrick said.

The focus is on getting the most vulnerable populations vaccinated, including those who have underlying health issues, and those who are very young or old.

Seniors like 71-year-old Betty Daly are heading that advice.

"I think it prevents me from getting the flu and so I can get out and volunteer and I won’t be spreading any germs," Daly said.

And according to Dr. Smith, getting the flu vaccine at the very least should help lessen the length and severity of your symptoms.

"This year the flu vaccine in terms of circulating viruses that we have identified and the laboratory confirmed cases match quite well with what’s included in the flu vaccine, actually better than in other years," Dr. Smith said.